I know I should be shouting from the rooftops and bragging about my new release.But for me, self-promo is a nightmare. I seriously hate telling people to buy my product. It makes me feel like a slimy used car salesman (no offense to salesmen intended).A couple years ago my sister-in-law wanted to have a Southern Living at Home party, but neither of us knew a consultant. So I offered to become a consultant and run her party. We thought this was a great arrangement until it became painfully clear that I was not meant to stand in front of groups of women, staring at me, expecting me to make some kind of successful sales pitch on home goods. Yeah, it wasn't pretty.
When one of my books releases, I feel this intense pressure to be all cute, fun, and filled with sales mojo. I'm not. I try, but I'm not. I'm not necessarily a total recluse, but I really have no interest in being the life of any party - even my own.
But I have to promote my books, so I'm going to take a deep breath and just get it over with.
YO, YO, YO!!!!!! Sleepers is available - finally!!!! I wrote Sleepers a couple years ago and spent half of 2010 sending it out to agents. This is the book that almost made it. Sleepers is the one that got my foot in the door, way in the door, with a few big agents. In the end I was told a few great things:
It's not your book, it's the market.
If you switch to historical fiction, I'll offer you representation.
I'm going to say no, but I'm afraid Sleepers is one of those books I'll regret rejecting.
I am so excited Sleepers is finally out there for the greater reading public. I hope everyone enjoys it or Megg may end up in a bathtub with a toaster (luckily Megg is a pen name and my real self will totally survive this).
Here's the scoop:
Her heart is torn between two boys, the one she’s always loved and the one who always ignored her. But when the kingdom threatens to tear itself apart due to rumors surrounding the queen’s alleged affair, who will Lianne protect and who will she destroy?
B&N/Nook
Amazon/Kindle
Smashwords
Sleepers should show up on Amazon UK & DE soon.
As for a paperback, it's going to be a month or so before that's available, but I'll let you know when it is.
Self-promoting is something I don't want to do, but I know if I want people to hear about my book release, I'm going to have to do it. It makes me feel like I'm on a job interview and I have to come up with ways to sell myself to the prospective employer. Or when I applied to college and had to write about myself. I feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteI'm proud of you, by the way. You're out there, making it happen. You're my hero. =) I wish I was working on a YA story so I could submit it to Darkside just for a chance to work with all you talented ladies.
=)
I totally get the whole self promotion thing. I had to get nudged by someone on twitter to promote my graphic design business. I started the blog, but I'm still not good at "tooting my own horn." Your books are great though, and you've got a lot of readers who are willing to take up some of that promotional slack. Can't wait to start reading Sleepers. You know it's on top of my "to-do' list.
ReplyDeleteMrs. Jensen, I just downloaded Sleepers onto my Kindle, can't wait to start reading. I can understand it must be tough promoting yourself but your books are so fresh and interesting we need to know when they come out! I loved the first two Cloud Prophet books, they really take readers on an unforgettable journey. Keep up the great writing and thanks for letting us know that Sleepers is now available. ~ Amy
ReplyDeleteWe'll do it for you!!! I so feel for you...I don't like the spotlight either. Ever.
ReplyDeleteI love this - "I really have no interest in being the life of any party - even my own."
ReplyDeleteI feel the same way. Best of luck on "Sleepers".
Danielle - You know if we were ever in a room together we'd probably just stare at each and not talk. Just toss apples around or something... :)
ReplyDeleteShirley - It's hard at the beginning, and I think it's slightly easier for me now. I just don't want to turn into something I hate either.
Amy - Thank you so, so much. I really hope you enjoy Sleepers!!!!! Oh, and call me Megg. ;)
LALibraryBug - Any help is appreciated. The best thing about being online is that the spotlight is very small and I kinda like it here. ;)
Jacqueline - My sister & I are born the same day eight years apart. We always shared our birthday parties and I never had a problem with that either. :)
Alright, as a former Mary Kay consultant, I feel your pain. However, you should feel bad when you DON'T promote. Here's why: Your writing is awesome, but readers aren't psychic. The only way they can enjoy your writing is if someone let's them know it's out there. Who better to do that than you? Don't look at it as shameless, look at it as a service. You aren't holding a gun to anyone's head as they click Buy Now on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. So what if some people hear your promotion who have heard it before? Think of all the readers out there; you are providing a great story and a few hours of respite from their otherwise hectic, stressful lives. You aren't selling snake oil, my dear. You are selling a cure! :)
ReplyDeletesuper quick post to say i'll be grabbing a copy. Feel free to send me a tweet/message making sure i have done it.
ReplyDeletesarah
oops, it IS actually already up. I just grabbed a copy from Amazon.
ReplyDeletesee promoting yourself DOES work :-)
sarah
I agree all the way with the party-perspective. Promoting other authors = easymode. Promoting myself? Eh...I like indirect methods more, like being directed to by another person or means. I hate parties. Just give me the cake, the book and let me go. I'm happiest that way ^ ^
ReplyDeleteElizabeth - Wow, thanks! Such a compliment. I'll try to remember that when I'm feeling shy. :)
ReplyDeleteSarah - Thanks, haha!!!! Enjoy! :)
S.J. - oooh, cake & a book. Sounds perfect to me too. :)
You shouldn't worry about the self promotion thing, you're awesome at it. I just added Sleepers to the top of my list of books to buy. Can't wait until it comes out in paperback.
ReplyDelete